# Troll Factory

Troll Factory (Korean: 댓글부대) is a 2024 South Korean crime thriller film directed and written by Ahn Gooc-jin, and starring Son Suk-ku, Kim Sung-cheol, Kim Dong-hwi, and Hong Kyung. Based on the novel of the same Korean name by Chang Kang-myoung, a work based on the National Intelligence Service's illegal election intervention case. The film is about a public opinion manipulation company that infiltrates Internet sites and manipulates public opinion by leaving malicious comments. It was released on March 27, 2024.

## Plot

A talented but overly conceited journalist, Im Sang-jin, is investigating corporate corruption involving the conglomerate Manjeon. However, his report is later revealed to be false, leading to his suspension. One day, a mysterious informant approaches him, claiming to have manipulated public opinion online.

## Cast

* Son Suk-ku as Im Sang-jin, a newspaper reporter seeking reinstatement after being suspended for writing an article exposing the tyranny of a large corporation.
* Kim Sung-cheol as Jjingppeotking, the de facto leader who shows quick thinking and takes the lead in manipulating public opinion.
* Kim Dong-hwi as Chattatkat, an anonymous writer who creates hooked stories and an informant who announces the existence of the comment unit.
* Hong Kyung as Paeptaek, a keyboard warrior who feels the power of online public opinion manipulation and becomes increasingly addicted to it.
* Lee Seon-hee as Pyo Ha-jeong, editor-in-chief of a newspaper company.
* Kim Jun-han as Nam Ki-hong, the head of the public opinion team.
* Oh Ye-ju as Lee Eun-chae, a college student.

## Production
### Development

The film developed under the working title The Comments Army and director Ahn Gooc-jin, who directed Alice in Earnestland (2015) took the megaphone.
It is produced by Cinematic Moment and distributed by Acemaker Movieworks.

### Casting

Son Suk-ku was offered the role of the main character in July 2022.
The appearance of Son along with Kim Dong-hwi were confirmed in January 2023. Followed by Kim Sung-cheol and Hong Kyung in February 2023.

### Production design

Art Director Hong Joo-hee, who worked on The School Nurse Files (2020), My Name (2021) and The Moon (2023), contributes to the film's unique visual identity with a realistic and original production design. Costume Designer Jo Sang-kyung, who worked on Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds (2017), Squid Game (2020–present), and Hunt (2022), brings her expertise to craft unique and distinct character portrayals through the costumes.

### Filming

Principal photography began on March 6, 2023.

### Visual effects

Cinematographer Cho Hyung-rae, who worked on The Merciless (2017), Kingmaker (2022), Kill Boksoon (2023) and Concrete Utopia (2023), and Lighting Director Lee Gil-gyu who worked on Tune in for Love (2019), Kingmaker (2022), Concrete Utopia (2023) and Citizen of a Kind (2024) have combined their talents to craft the film's overall visual concept.

### Music

Music Director Cho Young-wook, who worked on A Taxi Driver (2017), The Man Standing Next (2020), Hunt (2022), Decision to Leave (2022), Narco-Saints (2022) and Honey Sweet (2023), will compose the score, creating a unique atmosphere for the film to take place.

## Release

Troll Factory was released on March 27, 2024.